Library Needs Our Help Now! Write to Senators Casey and Specter before they vote on FMAP

The Ridley Park Public Library (and all PA public libraries) need our help RIGHT NOW. 

The state budget that passed in late June relies on federal funding that has not yet been approved by Congress.  Without this federal assistance there is a good chance that even more public services funded at the state level will be reduced or eliminated, and this may include vital services and programs provided by Pennsylvania’s libraries.

The U.S. Senate is supposed to vote on the FMAP bill August 4.  That's tomorrow, so act today.

Here are some points to make.  You can cut and paste this into the message section on the senators' website.

I urge you to support extending the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding that will return nearly $850 million for your constituents across Pennsylvania.  this federal reimbursement, many vitally needed, state-supported programs—such as public libraries—are at risk.

During this recession, your constituents have relied on public libraries to a greater degree than ever before.  Visits to libraries are up 11%; in-library computer use is up 19%; and hits on library websites are up 48%.  Clearly, libraries are an information, technology and employment lifeline for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians.

These vital library services were cut in the state budget this year and last.  If the Congress does not extend FMAP funding, more deep service cuts may result and your constituents will face library services that are reduced even further.

Please do all that you can to extend vitally needed FMAP funding for Pennsylvania.  Thank you for your consideration and positive action.

Here's how to contact the senators:

Senator Arlen Specter:

http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

Senator Robert Casey:

http://casey.senate.gov/contact/

Please copy glenn@palibraries.org with your message.

Thank you.